STOKES SEEDS 



EGGPLANT ( 



SOLANUM 

 MELONGENA 



Okigin — A native of the tropics, \ ilmorin definitely credited South America ; Bailey, 

 howe\er, placing it in the East Indies. Since the reports of its use as a vegetable 

 come after the discovery of America, and owing to its similaritN- to tomato and pepper, 

 both ot which are definitely traced to South .America, we are inclined to give Vilmorin 

 credit for being right. The fact that it is called Guana Squash adds further e\ idence 

 that it is a New World dish, as does the fact that it has Ix^en so well known as a 

 \egetable amongst the West Indies since the disco\er>-. Gerard in the first edition 

 of his Herbal (1596) shows distincth- that, although Eggplant was known in England 

 at the time, it was not considered to ha\'e edible qualities. He states, "I rather wish 

 Englishmen to content themselves with the meale and sauce of our own country 

 than with fruit and sauce eaten with such peril: for doubtless these apples have a 

 niis< hie\ ()u> qualit>-: the use thereof is utterly to be forsaken." To which Phillips 



1SJ2 adds: "Witii this caution we cannot be surprised that the Eggplant should 

 ha\c l>een in our gardens for 220 years without reaching our tables." Eggplant 

 has lieen culti\ated in America for less than a centur\-. 



No. 32— IMPERIAL BLACK BEAUTY 



A stock free from the organisms of Phomopsis rot 



Days to maturity, 110-125. The shocking disease loss on Eggplant 

 in recent years has led us to take steps to provide our trade with seed 

 that is free from the ravaging organism known as Phomopsis rot. 



This disease attacks the plants, in some 

 cases ruining whole fields, in other cases 

 spoiling the fruits in transit to the North- 

 ern markets. To be sure, a great deal of 

 this infection comes from infected soil, 

 but unless the grower starts with disease- 

 free seed he is beaten almost before he 

 commences. 



imptruii Black titauly fhc organisms of Phomopsis rot are 



under the seed coat so that no kind of 

 disinfecting that is practical is able to 

 control it. Knowing this, we have taken steps to produce our seed supply under conditions that make us 

 morally certain that our seed is entirely clear of the.se organisms. Imperial Black Beauty will prove to be 

 a superbly fine stock of the well-known Black Beauty ^•ariety. The fruits are triangular globe. The 

 color is a deep purple-black. The height of the plant is about 18 inches. The seed we are offering is of 

 fine appearance and of strong germination. Any growers desiring real success with this t\ pc of F^ggplant 

 will do well to plant Imperial Black Beaut\-. Price, delivered: pkt., 20c; oz., 65c; lb., $2,50; V2 lb., 

 $4.50; lb., $8.00; 5 lbs. (5 $7.75 per lb.; 10 lbs., (a $7.50 per lb.; 50 lbs., ^ $7.00 per lb. 



No. 33— FLORIDA HIGH BUSH 



Days to maturity, 115-130. This variety, as is shown in the illustration, is more oval shape than the 

 Black Beauty. The fact that it is carried higher off the ground is an important factor, especially during 

 wet seasons. Fundamentally Florida High Bush is more resistant to the Eggplant diseases than is Black 

 Beautv — a feature which commends it to manv growers. Price, delivered: pkt., 15c; oz., 50c; lb., 

 $1.85; Vz lb., $3.50; lb., $6.00; 5 lbs., (g, $5.75 per lb. ; 10 lbs., (g, $5.50 per lb. ; 50 lbs., (a, $5.00 p€r lb. 



£22} 



Florida High Bush 



